The folklore-style story Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern is a nice repetitive story filled with animal noises the kids can join in with. For those unfamiliar with the book, an old man is disturbed by the noises in his house (creaky bed, wind in the trees, hissing kettle, etc.) and seeks advice from a wise man (I modelled mine on a Buddhist monk). The wise man keeps telling him to bring animals into his house. When the animal noise is driving the old man crazy and the wise man tells him to remove the animals, the creaky bed, etc. seem quiet and comforting.

Rather than try to make a house everything would fit in, I just made a roof.

As you can see, it was still hard fitting all the animals in! No wonder he was overwhelmed by the noise.

I agree with Anne, this is a very elegant solution, but still lets you fill that house to the rafters! I am also admiring your tree. I think I will steal your design for a little forest for when I do Cate and Erin’s I Spy and Whose Footprints ideas! Thanks so much for being a part of Flannel Friday!